If you are facing a motoring offence, the first question is usually a simple one: how much is this going to cost?

For many straightforward motoring cases, we can offer a fixed fee so you know from the outset what you will pay and what work is covered.

Fixed fees are usually suitable where the scope of work can be clearly defined in advance. This commonly includes:

• Guilty plea at the first Magistrates' Court hearing: £750 – £1,500 plus VAT at 20%
• Drink or drug driving cases dealt with at a single Magistrates' Court hearing: £750 – £1,500 plus VAT at 20%
• Exceptional hardship applications: £1,500 – £3,000 plus VAT at 20%
• Special reasons arguments: £2,000 – £4,000 plus VAT at 20%
• Not guilty plea and representation at trial (single trial): £2,000 – £5,000 plus VAT at 20%

The exact fee will depend on the facts of your case and will always be confirmed in writing before you instruct us.

Where a case is adjourned for sentence, or a further sentencing hearing is required, this will usually fall outside the fixed fee and an additional fee of £750 – £1,000 plus VAT at 20% may apply. Any further costs will be discussed and agreed with you in advance.

More complex cases, contested matters involving multiple hearings, or cases where the scope cannot be clearly defined at the outset may fall outside a fixed fee and will be discussed with you in advance.

A fixed fee will usually cover:

• Initial review of the allegation and available evidence
• Advice on plea, procedure and likely outcome
• Preparation for the relevant court hearing
• Representation at that hearing by an experienced motoring solicitor or advocate

We will always explain clearly what is included before you proceed.

Unless agreed in advance, a fixed fee will not normally include:

• Additional court hearings beyond those agreed
• Expert reports or other third-party disbursements
• Appeals
• Trials following a not guilty plea (unless expressly included above)

If your case changes or becomes more complex, we will explain the options and any cost implications before carrying out further work.

Disbursements are costs payable to third parties and are not included within our legal fees.

Examples may include:

• Expert witness fees
• Toxicology reports
• Medical reports
• Barrister's fees where external counsel is instructed
• Court transcript fees

The amount of any disbursement will vary depending on the requirements of the case. We will discuss any anticipated disbursements with you before they are incurred.

The length of a motoring offence case will depend on the complexity of the matter and the court timetable.

Simple guilty plea cases may conclude within 4–8 weeks.

Cases involving exceptional hardship or special reasons arguments typically conclude within 1–3 months.

Contested matters proceeding to trial may take between 3–12 months depending on court availability and the complexity of the issues involved.

We will keep you informed throughout your case and provide realistic estimates based on the specific circumstances of your matter.

Your case will be handled by a solicitor specialising in motoring offences, with experience of representing clients in the Magistrates' Court and Crown Court across England and Wales.